What Are the Benefits of Una De Gato Herb?

by Tracey Roizman, D.C.

Una de gato may help prevent some forms of cancer.

Una de gato -- Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis -- is a vine native to South and Central America that grows curved thorns that resemble a cat's claw, hence its common name in both Spanish and English. An important herb in the traditional medicine of Peru, una de gato has been used to treat numerous health conditions. Scientific research has revealed some of the active constituents and potential benefits of una de gato. Consult your doctor for guidance in the safe and appropriate use of una de gato.

Arthritis Relief

Una de gato may help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. A study published in the April 2002 issue of the "Journal of Rheumatology" found that supplementation with una de gato for 24 weeks reduced the number of painful joints twice as effectively as a placebo. After another 28 weeks the number of swollen joints also decreased. Researchers note that una de gato was safe and well-tolerated with only minor side effects.

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory effects of una de gato may make it useful for treatment of gastritis, notes the University of Texas at El Paso. A laboratory animal study published in the May 2002 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" found that supplementation with una de gato alkaloid and flavonoid compounds for three days significantly inhibited inflammation and prevented cell damage and early cell death in the lining of the stomach. Further studies are needed to determine whether these benefits extend to humans.

Cancer Prevention

Anticancer benefits of una de gato were demonstrated in a study published in the December 2010 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine." In the tissue culture study, una de gato extract was effective against several types of cancer, including cervical, breast and colon. A study published in the November 2009 issue of the journal "Anticancer research" found that una de gato inhibited a form of thyroid cancer that is resistant to radiation and conventional chemotherapy. Una de gato alkaloids promoted early cell death. Researchers concluded that cat's claw shows potential for use as a natural substance in the prevention and treatment of endocrine tumors.

Immune Booster

Una de gato may offer benefits for preventing and treating some infectious disease, including HIV. Immune-modulating effects of una de gato may prevent white blood cell counts from dropping in patients with HIV, helping to protect them from opportunistic infections, notes CoxHealth. A test tube study published in the September 2010 issue of the "Journal of Oral Science" found that una de gato inhibited several common pathogens commonly found in infected teeth, including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.

Red Blood Cell Benefits

Una de gato may help protect red blood cells from damage, according to a study published in the March 2012 issue of the journal "Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology." In the test tube study, una de gato extract prevented oxidation of lipids and preserved the integrity of red blood cell membranes. Researchers concluded that una de gato polyphenol antioxidants that attached to the membranes were responsible for the protective effects.

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About the Author

Tracey Roizman has been a writer and speaker on natural and preventive health care since 1995. She holds a B.S. in nutritional biochemistry and a doctor of chiropractic degree, and is a postgraduate diplomate in chiropractic functional neurology.

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